The miracle of Lisbon: Trubin’s 97th-minute goal against Real Madrid sends Benfica to play the Playoffs

The final matchday of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase delivered a night that will be studied in football history for decades. At a rocking Estádio da Luz, the stakes were binary: José Mourinho’s Benfica needed a win and a specific goal swing to snatch a playoff spot, while Álvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid simply needed to avoid defeat to clinch a direct ticket to the Round of 16.

What followed was a 4-2 thriller that culminated in the most improbable hero in the tournament’s history: goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin.

The match was a tactical rollercoaster. Real Madrid struggled to contain a Benfica side fueled by the "Mourinho effect," but as the clock ticked into stoppage time, the score stood at 3-2. At that moment, Benfica was effectively out of the competition.

The drama reached a breaking point in the 97th minute when Rodrygo Goes was shown a straight red card after a frustrated challenge. With only seconds remaining, the referee signaled for one final play—a desperation free kick for the Portuguese side.

In a "all-or-nothing" move, Anatoliy Trubin sprinted the length of the pitch to join the attack. As the cross came in, the Madrid defense—usually so composed—faltered. In the ensuing scramble, the ball fell perfectly for the Ukrainian giant. Showing the composure of a seasoned striker, Trubin struck a clean shot that left Thibaut Courtois rooted to the spot.

The stadium erupted as the ball hit the back of the net, sealing a 4-2 victory and, more importantly, catapulting Benfica into the playoff positions.

This wasn't just a highlight-reel moment; it was a strategic and financial masterstroke. By securing this victory and the subsequent qualification, Benfica—presided over by Rui Costa—unlocked a performance bonus of approximately €4 million. For a club that balances its books through sporting success, Trubin’s goal paid for itself and much more, ensuring Mourinho has the resources to continue this European adventure.

Goalkeeper goals in the Champions League are as rare as a quiet night in Madrid. The last time a shot-stopper found the net in this competition was during the 2023/24 season, when Lazio’s Ivan Provedel scored a 95th-minute equalizer against Atlético de Madrid at the Stadio Olimpico. However, while Provedel’s goal saved a point, Trubin’s goal saved an entire season.

Ironically, this miracle completely overshadowed a historic night for Kylian Mbappé. The Frenchman officially set the all-time record for goals in a single opening phase (league or group) with a staggering 13 goals. Under any other circumstances, Mbappé would be the sole headline across every sports paper in the world. Instead, he leaves Lisbon heading for the dreaded playoffs, his record-breaking brilliance eclipsed by a 6'6" goalkeeper in the 97th minute.

Real Madrid must now face the reality of an extra knockout round in February, while Mourinho celebrates another "Special" night in his storied career. As the sun rises over Lisbon, Anatoliy Trubin is no longer just a goalkeeper—he is the savior of the Eagles.